The Africa Rising 2025 Executive Forum, themed “Unlocking Profit, Purpose & Partnerships,” concluded as a resounding success convening some of Africa’s most influential voices in business, policy, and development.
The high-level forum held on October 9, 2025, at Radisson Blu, Upper Hill, Nairobi, brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, CEOs, financiers, development partners, and policymakers to deliberate on how Africa can align profitability with purpose-driven leadership.
In her compelling opening remarks, Ms. Milkaela M. Mwangura, Founder of the Africa Rising Initiative, reflected on the journey that birthed this continental movement.
“When we began the journey to shape Africa Rising, we envisioned a platform that would merge profit, purpose, and partnership into one unstoppable force for transformation—where business leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators could co-create Africa’s next chapter of growth.
“Africa is no longer the continent of potential—it is the continent of proof. Proof that innovation, resilience, and unity can drive prosperity that lasts,” said Ms. Milkaela.
At the same time, Mr. Richlove Mensah, British High Commission’s Trade Director for Kenya & Regional Director for East Africa, opened the forum by affirming the United Kingdom’s continued commitment to deepening trade and investment partnerships with Africa.
“Profit, Purpose, and Partnerships—these are not just themes; they’re imperatives for shared growth. The UK remains committed to advancing green competitiveness, regional trade, and mutual prosperity between our economies,” said Mr. Richlove Mensah.
Brigadier General Dr. Wallace W. Williams, Chairman, Africa International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AICCI), set the tone with an impassioned keynote on Pan-African cooperation and global linkages.
“Africa Rising is not a slogan—it is a declaration of intent. A call to ensure that Africa’s fuel riches not only boardrooms abroad but households across our continent. Let us rise, trade, and innovate together—Africa leading, Africa owning its destiny,” said Dr. Wallace.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pravin Maharaj, South African Economist challenged the audience to reimagine Africa’s future in the era of Artificial and Augmented Intelligence, gifting attendees signed copies of his acclaimed book:
“We are not entering the AI Age—we are stepping into the Golden Age of Human Intelligence, where African creativity and collaboration can redefine global prosperity.”
Ms. Brenda Mbathi, CEO of Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFFIC), explored Africa’s innovation and competitiveness through Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
“Africa’s next frontier is not waiting—it’s being built today. SEZs are the blueprint for a prosperous, innovation-driven future,” she said.
The Africa Rising Forum is not a one-off event — it’s an expanding continental movement. The next editions are confirmed for; Mauritius – (March 2026), Kenya – (July 2026) and South Africa – (November 2026).
Each edition will scale up Africa Rising’s mission of building profitable, purposeful, and partnership-driven ecosystems for the continent’s sustainable development.
